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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03.06.26 Newsletter : TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the Common Council FROM: Rebecca Grill, City Manager DATE: March 6, 2026 RE: Weekly Newsletter 1. OSHKOSH AWARDED FOR ‘GROWTH’ BY ARBOR DAY: Oshkosh has been proudly recognized as a “Tree City USA” by the National Arbor Day Foundation for 45 consecutive years. However, this year, the efforts of the City’s Forestry Division have been recognized with the “Growth Award,” in addition to the Tree City USA designation. The Growth Award is an annual recognition presented by the Arbor Day Foundation to participating Tree City USA communities that demonstrate higher levels of tree care and community engagement during the calendar year. We are proud of the work our Forestry Division has done and continues to do to promote a healthy urban forest here in Oshkosh, and we congratulate them for this achievement! 2. C&E DIVISION RESTRUCTURE REGARDING OSHKOSH MEDIA: The City of Oshkosh is strengthening how we communicate with residents and engage the community by bringing key communications functions together under the new Communications & Engagement Division (C&E). This restructuring is designed to improve coordination across departments, reduce duplication, and provide more consistent and accessible information about City services and initiatives. Part of this restructure is realigning the services provided by Oshkosh Media. Many services currently supported by Oshkosh Media—such as live and on-demand government meeting coverage online, video production, social media, and public information support—will continue under C&E. As part of this transition, the City will repurpose the TV studio space to support expanded communications needs; Life TV community programming will transition from City operations beginning May 15th, and the City will continue to make government meetings available online via YouTube. City staff are also working with the Friends of Oshkosh Community Media on a transition plan for Oshkosh FM 101.9. For questions or additional details, please contact Drew Bailey, Communications & Engagement Manager. 3. LIBRARY EVENTS CONNECT COMMUNITY WITH LOCAL EXPERTS: The Oshkosh Public Library is hosting two upcoming events that will connect the community with local experts in business and photography. Check out the program details below, or visit the Library’s website for more information. Making It Work: Women Entrepreneurs of Oshkosh Monday, March 16th from 5 – 7pm March is Women’s History Month and we’re teaming up with women business owners in Downtown Oshkosh to share their experiences and inspire future entrepreneurs. In what’s known as a human library experience, participants will sit down one-on-one with women who operate a variety of downtown businesses. They will share information, talk about their experiences and answer questions. Learn more about their journeys and how to find support for your own business venture. Refreshments will be available. Check out the event webpage for details and the list of participating business owners. Capturing the Vision: Lewis Hine Photography Institute Workshop Saturday, March 21st from 9:30am – 3:30pm During this special day-long program, learn how to enhance your photography from seasoned local professionals who have spent years honing their craft. Inspired by the work of famed photographer and Oshkosh native Lewis Hine (Library of Congress collection), participants of all skill levels will deepen their artistic abilities while learning to create images with social, cultural or environmental significance and impact. Learn about Lewis Hine; hear presentations on photography specialties and techniques; practice your skills during a photo shoot with actors in full character; and find out how your work could be included in the library’s digital archives. The workshop is free but registration is required. Visit the event webpage for details and to register. 4. GET INVOLVED IN A BOARD OR COMMISSION: If you are interested in serving your community, consider becoming a member of one of the City’s citizen advisory boards, commissions, or committees. There are current openings on the following boards and commissions: BID Board Board of Review Board of Zoning Appeals Landmarks Commission Museum, Arts and Culture Board Plan Commission To learn more about the boards and commissions, or to complete an application to serve, visit our boards and commissions webpage. If you have questions about current openings, the process of appointment, or need more information about a particular board, please contact the City Manager’s Executive Assistant, Kami Zuercher, by email (kzuercher@oshkoshwi.gov) or call (920) 236-5002.